Everton enter talks with £18m-rated defender, looking for cut price deal – report
Everton are looking to strengthen their defence ahead of the new Premier League season after a disappointing end to the campaign.
The Toffees laboured to 12th position in the top-flight after losing on the final day 3-1 to relegated Bournemouth at Goodison Park.
Carlo Ancelotti wasn’t happy with his squad’s effort that day, and tightening up at the back would certainly help.
Turkish Football has reported on their website that Everton are in talks with Lille defender Mehmet Zeki Celik – mainly a right-back.
The online outlet has claimed that the French club value the 23-year-old at £18million, although the Toffees are said to be confident of getting him cheaper.
It is said that the Merseyside club will push to sign Celik for closer to £13.5million – it is a big leap so a question mark is on that.
Djibril Sidibe and Seamus Coleman have both been used this season, with the Turkish international earmarked as a replacement for the French wing-back.
Jonjoe Kenny is also coming back from his loan spell at Schalke in Germany over the summer, with the youngster impressing in the Bundesliga.
Should Celik arrive at Goodison Park for the cheaper price, it would give Ancelotti a real headache for his full-strength defence.
It would most likely mean that there would be no place for Kenny, with this season’s loan spell potentially a hint over his future.
In other Everton news, Toffees are set to revisit their interest in this Watford star after their relegation was confirmed